Most of the quora answers seem to ignore the significant shift in avionics that has occurred with the general adoption of glass cockpits. In older aircraft, yo

Most of the quora answers seem to ignore the significant shift in avionics that has occurred with the general adoption of glass cockpits. In older aircraft, you would've been staring at a wall of gauges, lamps, and buttons i.e., C130[1]. These, for the most part, have been consolidated into large multi-function displays (MFDs) like the C130 AMP [2] or C-5M [3] with the remaining analog controls are either there for emergency use or for the pilot's benefit like the yoke. The MFDs generally reduce pilot workload by consolidating relevant data into task-oriented screens. However, the main driver was more likely the significant weight reductions and costs associated with manufacture and maintenance of the aircraft - fewer cockpit components and simpler wiring. Ultimately, the types of controls are similar between the older and new aircraft. The notable exception is the keyboard(?!) in the A380s [4]. [1] http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:C-130_Hercules_cockpit_hg.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:C-130_Hercules_cockpi... [2] C130 AMP http://www.edwards.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/091109-F-9999X-001.jpg http://www.edwards.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/091109... [3] C5M http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/C-5M_Cockpit.jpg http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9f/C-5M_Cock... [4] A380 http://www.aerospace-technology.com/uploads/newsarticle/688953/images/141058/large/1-a380-cockpit.jpg http://www.aerospace-technology.com/uploads/newsarticle/6889...